Complete Streets policy set to pass in Mount Hope

MOUNT HOPE, WV (NEWS RELEASE) – The City Council of Mount Hope is expected to pass a Complete Streets Policy for the city at its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday January 10th 6:00pm. The policy, which is based on similar policies from cities across the country, is aimed at improving safety and connectivity throughout the city. The policy requires the city to consider all means of transportation, including bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, when planning transportation improvements. The policy is part of Mount Hope’s greater efforts to increase recreational opportunities and healthy lifestyles for residents and visitors alike. The Complete Streets Policy is an important step in the city’s pathway to becoming a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly community.

These efforts are in collaboration with the Active Southern West Virginia Bike/Walk program, a non-profit organization focused on increasing physical activity in southern West Virginia. Active SWV hopes to duplicate these efforts in Mount Hope in other communities throughout the region.

“We are working on multiple levels to achieve our overall vision for the city. We want to be welcoming to the sports enthusiasts and the casual visitors of the nearby attractions like Summit Bechtel Reserve and the New River Gorge. We hope they will want to stop and enjoy what Mount Hope has to offer. We are happy to be utilizing the properties affected by flooding in a way that will help the community by collaborating with Trout Unlimited for stream restoration and with Active Southern West Virginia to encourage healthy lifestyles. These things take time, it doesn’t happen overnight, but our vision is taking shape and this policy is an important part of it.”

-Mike Kessinger, Mayor of Mount Hope

“The importance of health and access to safe places to be physically active are vital to building and sustaining community resiliency across southern West Virginia. Community resiliency encompasses a diverse economy to sustain and create new jobs. This is at the heart of every Active Southern West Virginia program.”